Groundbreaking 3D visual documentation of Scottish historical landmarks including Rosslyn Chapel and Stirling Castle was unveiled today (Wednesday, 22nd April) by Culture Minister Michael Russell MSP at the 2009 Digital Documentation Conference. The cutting edge laser technology can survey and interpret heritage structures in 3D and provides - for the first time – a lasting, digital record of the country’s most important buildings. It also offers a new method for researching and conserving Scotland’s built environment.

The new-look St Vigeans Museum has opened giving visitors the chance to appreciate one of the finest collections of Pictish carved stones. Historic Scotland has carried out a major modernisation so the 38 stones, many decorated with superb carvings of animals, warriors, saints, angels and fabulous beasts can be enjoyed to the full. The collection includes some of the latest and finest surviving examples of Pictish art, including carved and decorated crosses.

To coincide with World Heritage Day on Saturday, 18th April, the World Heritage Sites in the care of Historic Scotland will be hosting a range of special events. This weekend, visitors to Scotland’s most famous historic attraction, the iconic Edinburgh Castle, will have the opportunity to join a special guided tour to find out why the castle is part of the Edinburgh Old and New Towns World Heritage Site.

Edinburgh and Stirling castles enjoyed an excellent Easter as families flocked to enjoy the best of Scotland’s heritage. Despite the difficulties in the tourism sector Edinburgh Castle’s numbers reached 24,278 more than 4,000 up on 2008. At Stirling Castle the figures were up by nearly 900 compared to 2008 and compared well against all the previous five years.

More than Â£1.7 million has been awarded to outstanding buildings of worship in need of repair, Culture Minister Michael Russell announced today. These Places of Worship awards from Historic Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund is to make the buildings stable and watertight. Mr Russell said: “For many people their church, cathedral, temple or mosque is so much more than a building. It represents their faith, friendships and community values, often providing a home for groups of all different sorts.